materialism (muh TIR ee uhl i zm) n.1. the philosophical doctrine that every-
thing in the world is matter, and even thought, will, and feeling can be connected
to matter (the opposite of idealism); 2. the notion that possessions, wealth, and
comfort are the most important things in the world; 3. the tendency to be more
concerned with material things than with the intellectual or spiritual
- The philosophy of materialismenjoyed some popularity in the nineteenth
century. - The idea of materialismpermeates some of the work of pop singer
Madonna—especially in her song “Material Girl.” - When a person pursues someone of the opposite sex because of the latter’s
wealth, that is a display of materialism.
[materialistic adj., materialisticallyadv.]
mathematical(MATH i MAT i kl) adj.1. of, concerned with, or about mathe-
matics; 2. precise; rigorously exact
We all need some sort of mathematicaleducation.
A high-quality diamond must be cut with mathematicalprecision.
maverick(MAV rik) n.1. a stray calf; any unbranded livestock; 2. a person who
takes an independent stand or a position different from that of the rest of his group
- One of the jobs of a cowboy on a drive is rounding up mavericks.
•A maverickpolitician often votes against the official position of his party’s
leadership.
maxim (MAX im) n.a concisely worded statement of truth or rule of conduct - “A stitch in time saves nine” is a well-known maxim.
- “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” is a maximwe
should all live by.
[Syn. saying]
meaning(MEE ning) n.significance; import; what is intended to be conveyed,
signified, or indicated —adj.1. intending; having purpose; 2. significance - Only time will tell us the meaningof today’s world events.
- Sally was meaningto tell Harry how much she cared.
- Barbara’s locket’s meaningwas a reminder of her mother.
[-ly adv.]
means(MEENZ) n.1. the way in which something is done; agency; 2. available
wealth; resources; 3. great wealth - He had the meansto get over the top of the fence.
- Margie had the meansto buy the very best silver.
- The CEO of the software company is a woman of great means.
M – N: SAT Words 155